5 Reasons Why the Gun Safe You Choose Matters

Gun sales have remained strong in the U.S. as people take up a new hobby or search for proactive self-defense solutions. However, as comforting as it may be to own a gun, true peace of mind comes with protecting your weapon. Statistics report up to 600,000 stolen guns every year in the U.S. That’s one gun stolen every minute.

Aside from the threat of burglaries, unprotected guns are also vulnerable to accidental damage and, of course, the risk of falling into the wrong hands.

While many gun owners take their time and conduct extensive research before buying the perfect weapon, fewer devote as much energy to selecting the right gun safe. However, when it comes to defending your investment and protecting your family, it’s crucial to take your gun safe choice just as seriously as selecting your first gun. Here, we’ll discuss why the safe you choose matters, and what you need to think about.

1. Size is Important

The first reason why it’s so important to choose the right gun safe is that you need something that’s going to protect all your guns. Choosing the right safe often starts with counting your firearms. The average American gun owner has about eight firearms, and if you plan to add to your collection, you’ll need to factor in room for expansion. You may also need to think about finding space for ammunition.

Just remember: though a bigger gun safe can be more effective, they’re also quite a bit heavier. Make sure to find out whether you’ll need to install extra floor support before your safe arrives.

2. The Steel Matters

The gauge of the steel used to make a gun safe is crucial for protecting you against theft and other issues. You’ll need to choose something that can’t be easily penetrated with a drill or saw. Stronger steel often comes with a lower gauge, meaning 10-gauge is stronger than 15-gauge steel, for example.

Look for a safe that offers continuous body welds, strong exterior hinges, and full-length steel. Some gun owners mistakenly believe that a good concealment method negates the need for exceptional construction. However, a curious child or thorough burglar can easily find a hidden firearm.

3. Lock Quality is Crucial

Locks, just like safes, come in many different forms. There are locks that use manual dials, fingerprint identification, and electronic keypads. The choice you make will depend almost entirely on your preference. There are drawbacks and positives for each option.

Try to choose a gun safe that offers a high-tech, superior locking system that makes you feel the most comfortable.

4. You Need Fire and Water Protection

If you’re devoted to preserving your firearms and keeping your investments safe, then you’ll need a safe that’s resistant to both fire and water damage. Many safes offer a significant amount of fire resistance. Some can last for as much as 60 minutes at 1,200 degrees, though few list water protection as a clear benefit.

If the area you live in is prone to flooding, you may want to look for a model that claims to be waterproof. However, most safes that are resistant to fire will also be water resistant for at least a short amount of time.

5. What’s on the Inside Also Counts

The many different features of a gun safe can vary drastically, which is why it’s so crucial to find the one that’s right for you. Some manufacturers may line the inside of your safe with scratch-resistant material to keep your guns from unnecessary damage, while others have nothing more than a metal surface.

Some gun safes come with shelving options to help with organization, and this is particularly common within longer or larger gun safes. You can also find models with solutions on the door that help to keep your ammunition in place. Depending on your needs, make sure that the inside of your safe is just as appealing as the outside.

Choosing the Right Safe is Crucial

The important thing to remember is that choosing the ideal gun safe shouldn’t be just an afterthought in protecting your home and family. Over recent years, some cities have seen disastrous results from the number of violent crimes that involve stolen guns. Those problems are just the tip of the iceberg, as improper gun storage can also lead to potentially fatal accidents at home, too.

The right gun safe can keep you from accidentally arming a criminal that enters your property or placing your child in danger. Remember — choosing the right safe is just as important as choosing the right gun.

At Western Safe, our commitment is to help you find the safe that fits your needs. If we don’t have it in stock, we’ll order it for you. Get started today by calling 1(800) 560-2660 or contacting us online.